White Fillings

When you have a tooth with slight or moderate decay, a filling can help restore it. Fillings are plugs that are used to replace a missing part of a tooth. There are two main types of fillings that dentists use, these are known as amalgam fillings and white fillings.

Amalgam fillings

Have a silver appearance that comes from the material they’re made of, which is usually a silver, tin and copper alloy mixed with elemental mercury.

They do an effective job of restoring a tooth to its normal function, but they are also very noticeable.

However they can lead to cracking and splitting of teeth because metal moves and spreads.

Typically, they are very durable and can last for years.

The presence of mercury in amalgam fillings has raised some concerns about their use.

We exclusively use white fillings because they look better and preserve your teeth

White fillings, also known as dental composite or tooth-coloured fillings, are made of resin and filler particles consisting of glass or set resin. They are designed to closely resemble a tooth’s natural colour, which makes them more visually appealing. This is particularly important for teeth that are in the front of the mouth.

Continuous advances in the materials used are making them increasingly more durable. For example, porcelain inlays, which are a type of tooth-coloured filling, are highly durable. If you have white fillings, the length of time they will last depends on the type of material used, where they are and how much pressure you put on them when you bite.

Tooth-coloured white fillings are also ideal for those with allergies or sensitivities as they provide a suitable alternative in those who are unable to tolerate amalgam fillings.

Our dentists use rubber dam for better white filling results

The rubber dam is a thin sheet of soft rubber which is used to isolate the tooth being worked on. It keeps saliva from interfering with the procedure and also prevents particles of filling materials from entering the patient’s mouth. The patient’s tongue and gum are also less likely to be irritated during the treatment. It allows a better outcome for white fillings and can speed up the procedure.